Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 450 grams ground chicken; 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese; 60 grams breadcrumbs; 15 grams fresh parsley, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt; 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 60 milliliters whole milk; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 25 grams grated mozzarella cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you love comfort food with a bright, Italian-inspired twist, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves will absolutely win your heart—and your taste buds! These mini loaves are tender and juicy thanks to ground chicken and milk, with each bite bursting with the irresistible flavors of fresh garlic, nutty Parmesan, and plenty of herbs. Baked until golden and finished with a touch of melty mozzarella (if you like), they’re the easy, flavorful main dish you’ll want on repeat for weeknight family dinners and cozy gatherings alike.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk simple essentials. Each ingredient in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves earns its place, bringing texture, flavor, or just a burst of color to every delightful slice. Gather these basics and you’re halfway to a delicious, satisfying meal!

Ground chicken: A light, juicy base that soaks up every bit of flavor—go for freshly ground if you can!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a rich, nutty savor that forms the signature taste and a gorgeous golden crust.
Breadcrumbs: Keep your meatloaves perfectly moist and hold them together for a classic, tender texture.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh color and herby pop—don’t skip it if you have available.
Garlic cloves: The namesake flavor hero—minced fine for even, aromatic distribution.
Large egg: The binder! Keeps everything together while lending richness.
Dried oregano: Gives a distinctly Italian note and extra savory depth.
Fine sea salt: Balances and elevates every other flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and warmth—crank it fresh for the best aroma.
Whole milk: Guarantees juicy meatloaves—no dry bites here!
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the tops brown and stay beautifully moist.
Grated mozzarella cheese (optional): For those stringy, melty cheese lovers—totally optional but so worth it!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—this simple step guarantees your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy fork to blend everything gently—mixing just until it comes together means your meatloaves will stay tender, never tough.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Pour the milk evenly over the mixture. Gently fold it in until the mixture is just uniform—too much mixing and you’ll lose the light, juicy texture that makes these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves special. The milk infuses moisture throughout, ensuring every slice is perfectly succulent.

Step 4: Shape the Mini Loaves

Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Shape each into a compact mini loaf—about the size of your palm works well. Place each loaf on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them so they brown evenly and develop that mouthwatering crust.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Drizzle the loaves with olive oil for a beautifully golden finish. If you’re a mozzarella fan, sprinkle a little on top of each loaf right now. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden and a thermometer in the center reads at least 74°C (165°F). Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves rest for five minutes. This short wait lets the juices settle, making every slice flavorful and moist. Then, serve while hot and get ready for smiles all around!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Garnishes

Top each mini loaf with extra sprigs of fresh parsley, another dusting of Parmesan, or a light drizzle of olive oil for a touch of shine. For an extra color pop, a pinch of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a scatter of fresh basil leaves is always beautiful and delicious.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves love classic, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or buttery polenta pair perfectly. If you’re after something lighter, spoon these meatloaves over fluffy quinoa or serve with a zesty arugula salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun weeknight dinners, slice the meatloaves and tuck them into warm ciabatta with a swipe of marinara for Italian-inspired sandwiches. Or, serve each mini loaf atop individual plates with ribboned zucchini noodles for an elegant, gluten-free twist. They also make a fantastic addition to meal prep boxes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making for easy lunches or a quick dinner encore.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap each cooled mini loaf in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag or container. They’ll freeze well for up to two months. Just remember to date and label for a fuss-free future meal!

Reheating

To reheat, place your loaf (thawed if frozen) on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven until hot through—about 10–15 minutes. A microwave also works for speed, but add a splash of broth or water and cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a delicious swap in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves and offers a similar texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overcook, as turkey is lean and can dry out quickly.

How do I know if my meatloaves are done?

The best way is with a kitchen thermometer—your mini loaves are safe and juicy when they reach 74°C (165°F) in the center. They’ll also be golden and smell incredible!

Can I make these meatloaves dairy free?

Yes, you can! Use your favorite dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese and a plant milk, like oat or almond, in place of the cow’s milk. The result will still be moist, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy.

What’s the best way to mix the meatloaf mixture?

Hands are truly your best tool! Gently work the ingredients just until combined—overmixing is what leads to dense meatloaf. Think gentle folding, not vigorous stirring.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Go for it! Simply double all ingredients and shape into eight mini loaves, using two baking trays if needed. Watch the cooking time—larger loaves or more packed trays might need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves bring together easy prep and big flavor—what’s not to love? Whether you’re trying them for the first time or adding them to your family favorites, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these little loaves become a regular request. Give them a try, and let their hearty, herby comfort fill your table and your week!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings (4 mini loaves) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a comforting twist on a classic favorite with these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. Made with juicy ground chicken, fragrant garlic, nutty Parmesan, and fresh herbs, each mini loaf is delightfully tender and flavorful. The breadcrumbs and a hint of milk keep them moist, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a perfectly golden finish. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, they’re a family-friendly main course brimming with Italian-American flair—perfect for any day you crave cozy, homemade flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Add milk to the mixture and mix gently until uniform and cohesive.
Divide mixture evenly and shape into four compact mini loaves. Place each onto the prepared baking sheet, with space between them.
Drizzle each loaf with olive oil. Optionally, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and internal temperature reaches 74°C.
Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.